Page 96 of Wrecked on the Mountain

That's when the game is up.

Brooke emerges from behind a pillar where she's insisted on hiding, saying it was part of the surprise but probably just wanting to watch this introduction unfold without interference.

She's wearing that burgundy sweater that makes her eyes look like liquid honey, and when she sees us together, her face breaks into the kind of radiant smile that could power the entire valley.

"Well, well, well… you two seem to be getting along," she says, practically bouncing as she approaches.

Piper drops her purse and sprints toward Brooke like she's charging into battle, letting out a squeal that could shatter glass.

"BROOKE!"

"PIPER!"

They collide in a hug and their voices hit frequencies I'm pretty sure are about to summon every dog within a five-mile radius.

I wince and take a step back, half-expecting Ranger to come bounding down the road looking for whatever distressed wildlife is making that noise.

"Jesus," I mutter, covering my ears. "Do all doctors greet each other like banshees, or is this a special Chicago thing?"

"He brought meflowers, Brooke," Piper announces, ignoring me and beaming at Brooke like this is breaking news. "Fresh flowers and a truck that's totally working for me on a small town vibe level."

The chit-chat that commences is unlike anything I've ever heard.

Words tumble over each other in rapid-fire succession. First it's something about Chicago weather, then it's Brooke's hair looking amazing, our weekend plans, my shoulders apparently being "criminally broad," and that's all before the all important deep and meaningful about whether the altitude affects skincare routines.

I stand there holding luggage, watching this verbal tornado with genuine amazement.

How the hell do they breathe?

I open the passenger door for Piper, then circle to help Brooke into the middle seat, all the while they'restilltalking. The moment Brooke is settled against my side, her hand finds my thigh and my entire world feels right again.

This is what I've been working toward. Her two favorite people meeting and clicking immediately.

"So," I say, starting the engine with a rumble that echoes off the terminal building. "Ready for the grand tour?"

Piper claps her hands. "Yes, please!"

Brooke giggles like a little girl and I pull out of the airport, immediately starting my carefully planned route through Stone River's most impressive scenery.

The road winds through towering pines before opening onto the overlook that showcases the entire valley.

"Wowzers," Piper breathes, practically pressing her face to the window. "Brooke, you didn't tell me you were living in a movie set."

"Wait until you see Main Street," Brooke says, squeezing my leg. "Socute. And the café, and Timber Tavern, and—"

"And Fox Hollow Lodge," I add, glancing at Piper in the rearview mirror as we round the curve that reveals the luxury resort nestled against the mountainside. "Five-star accommodations if you ever want to come back for a longer visit."

The way Brooke lights up when I mention return visits makes my chest warm.

She wants Piper to love this place as much as I do. She wants her best friend to understand why she's falling for Stone River as hard as she's fallen for me.

Doesn't she?

"This is insane," Piper says, snapping photos through the window as we descend toward town. "How is this real? How are there not tourists crawling all over this place?"

"We like to keep it exclusive," I say with a grin. "You're lucky to be visiting in the fall. Winter usually keeps out the casual visitors. Only the serious mountain lovers stick around when the snow gets deep."

Brooke starts telling her about some of the missions we've had, about the helicopter and the snowmobiles. Piper is amazed at how different everything is, and when we drive through downtown, I point out each landmark like a proud tour guide.